AmTrust Financial Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

AmTrust Financial has 10 executives leading key functions including marketing, operations, legal, and underwriting.

Driven by a commitment to providing specialized insurance solutions, AmTrust Financial focuses on delivering tailored property and casualty insurance products and services to small and middle-market companies, alongside niche specialty risks and extended warranty coverage, impacting diverse industries through strategic underwriting and claims administration.

Leadership Roles at AmTrust Financial

  • Executive Vice President & Group Chief Operating Officer - Ariel Gorelik
  • President, Special Risk - Bruce Saulnier
  • President - James Thanasules
  • President, AmTrust Specialty Insurance - Dan Hickey
  • President - Roswitha Wood
  • President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer - Elissa Pacheco
  • President Commercial Lines - Bruce Sanderson
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Bruce Shuman
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer - David Saks
  • Pre - Jason Slejko
  • Ariel Gorelik - Executive Vice President & Group Chief Operating Officer

    Ariel Gorelik, the Executive Vice President & Group Chief Operating Officer at AmTrust Financial, orchestrates the operational efficiency and strategic execution across the enterprise. Gorelik manages the day-to-day operations, ensuring seamless integration of services and products within the Small Commercial Business, Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty, and Specialty Program segments. This critical role involves optimizing business processes, driving technological advancements, and enhancing operational performance to support AmTrust Financial's global reach. By focusing on operational excellence, Ariel Gorelik ensures that the company effectively underwrites and provides property and casualty insurance in the United States and internationally. The Executive Vice President & Group Chief Operating Officer's oversight extends to claims handling and call center services, vital components for the consumer products and automotive industries. Gorelik's leadership ensures that operational strategies directly contribute to the company's ability to serve small and middle-market companies with comprehensive insurance solutions and reinsurance services.

    Bruce Saulnier - President, Special Risk

    Bruce Saulnier, the President, Special Risk at AmTrust Financial, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty segment. Saulnier focuses on developing and expanding coverage for consumer and commercial goods, custom-designed plans, and niche property and casualty risks, including specialty liability. This leadership role is pivotal in identifying and underwriting unique risks that require specialized insurance solutions. By overseeing claims handling and call center services for the consumer products and automotive industries, Bruce Saulnier ensures high-quality support for policyholders. The President, Special Risk's efforts are critical to AmTrust Financial's ability to offer comprehensive protection against accidental damage, payment protection, and various liability exposures. Saulnier's expertise drives the segment's growth and profitability, reinforcing the company's position as a provider of tailored insurance products for specialized markets.

    James Thanasules - President

    James Thanasules, the President at AmTrust Financial, drives strategic initiatives and operational oversight across key business units. Thanasules focuses on enhancing the company's market position and expanding its service offerings within the property and casualty insurance sector. This executive role involves collaborating with various departments to ensure alignment with AmTrust Financial's overarching mission of providing specialized insurance solutions. By guiding strategic planning and execution, James Thanasules supports the growth of segments such as Small Commercial Business and Specialty Programs. The President's leadership is instrumental in fostering innovation and operational excellence, ensuring that AmTrust Financial effectively meets the evolving needs of small and middle-market companies. Thanasules's vision contributes to the company's sustained success in underwriting diverse insurance products and delivering exceptional value to clients and partners.

    Dan Hickey - President, AmTrust Specialty Insurance

    Dan Hickey, the President, AmTrust Specialty Insurance at AmTrust Financial, spearheads the strategic development and operational management of the company's specialty insurance initiatives. Hickey directs the underwriting and delivery of specialized insurance products, focusing on niche markets and unique risk exposures. This leadership position is crucial for identifying emerging trends and opportunities within the insurance landscape, ensuring AmTrust Financial remains at the forefront of specialty coverage. By overseeing the Specialty Program segment, Dan Hickey ensures the provision of workers' compensation, general liability, commercial auto liability, and property coverage to small and middle-market companies. Hickey's focus on innovation and market responsiveness drives the growth and profitability of AmTrust Specialty Insurance, reinforcing the company's commitment to providing tailored solutions that address specific industry needs and challenges.

    Roswitha Wood - President

    Roswitha Wood, the President at AmTrust Financial, directs significant operational and strategic functions within the organization. Wood focuses on enhancing the company's market penetration and service delivery across its diverse insurance portfolios. This executive position involves fostering cross-functional collaboration to ensure that AmTrust Financial's offerings, including property and casualty insurance and specialty programs, meet the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction. By guiding key business initiatives, Roswitha Wood supports the expansion of the company's reach to small and middle-market clients. The President's leadership is vital in driving operational efficiencies and strategic growth, ensuring AmTrust Financial effectively navigates the complexities of the insurance industry. Wood's contributions are essential to maintaining the company's competitive edge and commitment to providing specialized insurance solutions.

    Elissa Pacheco - President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer

    Elissa Pacheco, the President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer at AmTrust Financial, leads underwriting strategy and operations for the Southeast region, while also holding a broader presidential role. Pacheco is responsible for assessing and managing risk, ensuring profitable growth within the company's property and casualty insurance offerings. This dual focus allows for deep regional market insight combined with overarching strategic leadership. By setting underwriting guidelines and approving complex risks, Elissa Pacheco ensures that AmTrust Financial maintains its commitment to providing specialized insurance solutions. The President & Southeast Region Chief Underwriting Officer's expertise is vital for the Small Commercial Business and Specialty Program segments operating in this key geographic area. Pacheco's leadership drives underwriting excellence and supports the company's mission to serve small and middle-market companies effectively.
    Elissa Pacheco

    Bruce Sanderson - President Commercial Lines

    Bruce Sanderson, the President Commercial Lines at AmTrust Financial, directs the strategy and operations for the company's commercial lines of insurance. Sanderson focuses on enhancing the product offerings and market reach for small and middle-market businesses seeking property and casualty coverage. This leadership role is essential for ensuring that AmTrust Financial's commercial insurance solutions, including workers' compensation and general liability, meet the diverse needs of its client base. By overseeing the development and execution of commercial line strategies, Bruce Sanderson supports profitable growth and market share expansion. The President Commercial Lines' efforts are critical to maintaining strong relationships with agents and brokers, facilitating policy distribution across the United States and internationally. Sanderson's leadership reinforces AmTrust Financial's commitment to providing comprehensive and competitive commercial insurance products.

    Bruce Shuman - Chief Marketing Officer

    Bruce Shuman, the Chief Marketing Officer at AmTrust Financial, directs all marketing initiatives and brand strategy. Shuman oversees the development and execution of campaigns designed to enhance market presence and customer acquisition across the company's diverse insurance offerings. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends and consumer behavior to identify new opportunities for growth and engagement. By ensuring consistent brand messaging, Bruce Shuman supports the company's objective of reaching small businesses and specialty markets effectively. The Chief Marketing Officer's efforts are crucial for communicating the value proposition of AmTrust Financial's property and casualty insurance, specialty risk, and extended warranty products to a broad audience through various channels, including digital platforms and agent networks. Shuman's strategic direction ensures that marketing efforts align with overall business objectives, driving lead generation and supporting sales efforts across all segments.
    David Saks, the Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer at AmTrust Financial, directs all legal affairs and ensures regulatory compliance across the organization. Saks oversees the legal framework supporting AmTrust Financial's underwriting and insurance services in the United States and internationally. This position requires a deep understanding of insurance law and corporate governance to navigate complex regulatory landscapes. By managing litigation, contracts, and corporate policies, David Saks safeguards the company's interests and upholds its commitment to ethical business practices. The Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer's responsibilities are integral to the stability and integrity of operations within the Small Commercial Business, Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty, and Specialty Program segments. Saks ensures that all legal aspects of AmTrust Financial's operations, including reinsurance services and policy distribution through agents and brokers, adhere to applicable laws and industry standards, thereby protecting the company's reputation and financial health.
    David Saks

    Jason Slejko - Pre

    Jason Slejko, the Pre at AmTrust Financial, holds a key leadership position focused on advancing the company's strategic objectives. Slejko's responsibilities encompass driving growth and operational excellence within designated business areas. This role is critical for identifying and capitalizing on market opportunities, ensuring AmTrust Financial continues to provide innovative insurance solutions. By collaborating with executive teams, Jason Slejko contributes to the development and implementation of strategies that enhance the company's market presence and client engagement. The Pre's focus on strategic execution supports AmTrust Financial's mission to serve small businesses and specialty markets with tailored property and casualty insurance and related services. Slejko's leadership is integral to maintaining the company's commitment to underwriting expertise and responsive client service.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding AmTrust Financial Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads AmTrust Financial?
    AmTrust Financial is led by Ariel Gorelik (Executive Vice President & Group Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Bruce Saulnier (President, Special Risk) and James Thanasules (President).
    Who is part of AmTrust Financial’s executive team?
    The executive team of AmTrust Financial includes leaders such as Ariel Gorelik (Executive Vice President & Group Chief Operating Officer), Bruce Saulnier (President, Special Risk), James Thanasules (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does AmTrust Financial have?
    AmTrust Financial has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in AmTrust Financial’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of AmTrust Financial includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Group Chief Operating Officer, President, Special Risk, President, President, AmTrust Specialty Insurance, President.